ArcNorthNews An Esri Canada publication celebrating GIS use coast to coast

fall 2012

a Better future by Design

ArcNorthNews

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER // Alex Miller

ArcNorthNews EDITOR

Amanda Graff [email protected] SPECIal CONTRIBUTIONS

John Danahy University of Toronto utoronto.ca Dr. Robert Feick University of Waterloo uwaterloo.ca Christian Gass O2 Planning & Design Inc. 02design.com Darren Genge City of Kelowna kelowna.ca Steeve Guillemette City of Québec ville.quebec.qc.ca Ian Jeffrey Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) grca.on.ca Corinne Kozak Edmonton International Airport (EIA) flyeia.com Ryan Taylor Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) kwl.ca GRaPHIC laYOUT

Sharon Van Meer Printed in Canada. Publications Mail Agreement #1542117 Esri Canada 12 Concorde Place, Suite 900 Toronto ON M3C 3R8 © 2012 Esri Canada Limited. All rights reserved. Trademarks provided under licence from Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Esri Canada Limited retains all rights to published material. Errors and omissions excepted.

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In an era when greenhouse gases have reached a dangerous tipping point, biological diversity is on the decline and there is growing evidence of climate change, one thing has become clear: we must adopt more effective strategies for balancing our needs with those of the earth. Preventing future ecological issues and reversing existing ones requires the application of sustainable, intelligent development strategies. The concept of Geodesign provides a framework for accomplishing this. Described as the art and science of incorporating geography into design, Geodesign combines geospatial technologies and design processes to better understand relationships between human-built settlements and the environment. This enables existing communities to adapt and new ones to develop sustainably so that human needs are met in a way that respects, preserves and enhances the surrounding environment. Leveraging the Geodesign framework, designers and planners can integrate an endless array of data to gain an unprecedented depth of understanding about our world. This includes realistic 3D models, airborne and street level imagery as well as LiDAR data. Integrative capabilities made possible through GIS support the powerful ability to evaluate future scenarios and assess the impact of a project on the broader geography before it is initiated. In this issue, you’ll discover some examples of how Geodesign is applied to build better cities and urban landscapes. You’ll learn how the City of Québec is leveraging GIS and 3D modelling to build Green Neighbourhoods that incorporate ecological design principles. You’ll read about a Calgary-based design firm that is simulating residential developments in 3D to inform new policies aimed at mitigating the effects of urbanization on watersheds. You’ll also learn how GIS tools and technologies can be applied to minimize the adverse impacts of urban heat islands and uncover renewable energy opportunities. Though we face exceptional challenges on global, national and regional scales, I am confident that GIS will support the development of intelligent, science-based designs that ultimately, help us create a better world. Dans un monde où la concentration de gaz à effet de serre atteint un sommet dangereux, où la diversité biologique décline et où les changements climatiques deviennent manifestes, une chose est claire : il faut adopter des stratégies efficaces d’harmonisation des besoins aux ressources disponibles. Pour atténuer les problèmes écologiques actuels et éviter d’en créer de nouveaux, il nous faut des stratégies de développement durable judicieuses. La géoconception répond à cette nécessité. Décrite comme l’art d’intégrer la science de la géographie à la conception, la géoconception amalgame les technologies géospatiales et les processus de conception en vue de mieux comprendre les liens qui existent entre le milieu bâti et l’environnement. Elle favorise le développement durable dans les quartiers existants comme dans ceux à bâtir; elle permet de répondre aux besoins des personnes tout en préservant (et parfois même, en enrichissant) l’environnement. Dans ce cadre que constitue la géoconception, concepteurs et urbanistes intègrent une quantité illimitée de données afin de jeter une lumière sans précédent sur notre monde : modèles 3D réalistes, imagerie aérienne (petite et grande échelles) et données LiDAR. Les SIG offrent à ce titre de puissantes possibilités d’intégration qui permettent d’envisager différents scénarios et d’évaluer, avant même le début des travaux, l’impact d’un projet sur la géographie environnante. Le présent numéro vous fera découvrir de quelle façon la géoconception améliore la qualité du paysage urbain. Vous y verrez comment la Ville de Québec exploite son SIG et la modélisation en 3D dans l’établissement d’écoquartiers où l’écologie devient un principe de conception. Vous apprendrez qu’une firme de Calgary simule en 3D les projets résidentiels pour faciliter l’adoption de politiques locales visant à atténuer les répercussions de l’urbanisation sur les bassins versants. Vous découvrirez également de quelle façon des outils et des technologies SIG servent à réduire au minimum l’effet négatif des îlots thermiques urbains et à repérer les occasions d’exploiter l’énergie renouvelable. Qu’ils soient mondiaux, nationaux ou régionaux, les défis auxquels nous faisons face sont immenses. Je demeure pourtant convaincu que les SIG rendront les conceptions plus judicieuses, ce qui contribuera à créer un monde meilleur.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 15 Issue 2

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ON THE COVER // a Better future by Design The necessity to design around our natural environment has never been more critical. The concept of Geodesign seeks to do just this. Geodesign leverages technology to incorporate science into the delicate art of design. It encourages a collaborative approach to planning and fosters a deeper understanding of the impacts that our decisions have on the world around us.

Features

Columns

advertisers

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Balancing Urban Development & the Natural World O2 Planning & Design Inc.

10 Technology Spotlight ArcGIS Online: A New Era in Mapping & GIS

Canadian Institute of Geomatics 613-224-9851 cig-acsg.ca

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Québec City Models a Bright future with 3D GIS City of Québec

12 Pleins feux sur la technologie ArcGIS Online : Une ère nouvelle pour la cartographie et la technologie SIG

Cancadd Imaging Solutions Ltd. 1-800-605-3355 cancadd.ca

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la Ville de Québec construit un futur prometteur grâce aux SIG 3D Ville de Québec

14 Creating Healthier Urban landscapes University of Waterloo/University of Toronto

26 Events & Training across Canada

Motion Computing 416-287-1100 motioncomputing.com Océ Canada Inc. 416-224-5600 oce.ca

16 Co-ordinating a $1.1 Billion Expansion Project through Web Mapping Edmonton International Airport (EIA) 18 Community Planning through Geodesign City of Kelowna 20 Mitigating flood Risk in the Town of Cobourg Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) 22 Unlocking B.C.’s Hydropower Potential Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. 24 Explore and Interact with the World’s longest Pathway Trans Canada Trail

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Balancing Urban Development & the Natural World Geodesign is described as the art and science of incorporating geography into design. It outlines a robust framework for regional land-use projects that integrates design proposals with impact simulation. Explained as “changing geography by design,” the framework enables alternative futures to be thoroughly evaluated in terms of their impact on the natural environment, as well as their utility to the human population. O2 Planning and Design Inc., a Calgary-based firm that specializes in landscape planning and the environmental design of green infrastructure for urban areas, is putting this framework into practice. The firm combines expertise in urban planning and design with GIS-based tools to create intelligent, science-based urban plans that integrate ecology, culture and economics. O2 was recently commissioned by the City of Calgary’s Department of Water Resources to examine best practices for land-use planning as it relates to watershed protection for the Nose Creek Watershed. The firm carried out the study in several stages, including an evaluation of current practices in and around the Calgary area, a policy gap analysis and a review of best practices for storm water management. This made it possible to evaluate existing factors that impact storm water management such as watershed partnerships, integrated watershed and land use planning initiatives, retrofitted communities, green roofs, pervious paving, erosion and sediment.

an assessment of water balance might only occur once a development plan has been completed. However, using Esri’s ArcGIS and CityEngine, O2 was able to follow an integrated, iterative GIS and 3D modelling workflow so that storm water management best practices could drive the design process from the outset.

Evaluating the impact of a virtual development Implementing the Geodesign framework involves incorporating six key questions into the design process: How should the landscape be described? How does it operate? Is it working well? How might it be altered? What differences would changes cause? Should it be changed? “With this approach, we start with broad foundational questions: What do we want to know? What are the goals?” said Christian Gass, Planner, O2. “Once we know what we are looking for, we work backwards, identifying mapping or modelling processes to answer those questions, and we gather the data needed to support those processes.” Leveraging this framework, O2 developed a series of ModelBuilder and Python models to map suitability for the proposed development. These models and scripts mapped critical ecological infrastructure, the habitat of indicator species, terrain stability, agricultural value, the provision of transportation and transit infrastructure, scenic views, and water balance in the study area. To manage model parameters, O2 collaborated with Esri to custom-build a Dashboard Manager plug-in. The plug-in allowed users to manage model input parameters in Microsoft’s Excel. They could be manipulated and visualized using slider bars, radio buttons, charts, and graphs. Using this tool, O2 weighted the importance of Suitability and vulnerability maps were used to design a 2D community-scale plan, informing planners criteria related to suitable and vulnerable development of areas where development should occur as well as areas to avoid. areas, created a series of map layers, and combined The project required the firm to conceptualize how urban them using overlay analysis. The overlay analysis also incorporated development might look and function if it was designed from the static map layers such as protected lands and heritage properties. The ground up to optimize water balance: a vital metric used to track the result was a series of maps identifying the suitability, vulnerability, and inflows and outflows of water to and from a planning area. Typically, constraints on the landscape for development. 4

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Using this data, O2 began to conceptualize a 2D community-scale rules stating that specific buildings must be set back and below a plan in ArcGIS for Desktop. New editing tools available at ArcGIS10 certain height. This automated process allowed O2 to avoid hours of were used to sketch out a hypothetical community-scale land-use plan. labour-intensive manual 3D modelling. The suitability and vulnerability maps drove the design of the plan, “3D models are more relatable; there are certain things that just informing planners of areas where the development should be located can’t be visualized in 2D,” said Mr. Gass. “With 3D models, we can as well as areas to avoid. communicate a true-to-life sense of what an urban design Throughout the sketching might look and feel like for a pedestrian walking through process, modelling parameters the neighbourhood.” “Applying the Geodesign were adjusted and the design was Procedural modelling also allowed the sketch to be re-sketched and re-evaluated until infinitely manipulated and modified by adjusting design framework significantly ideal outcomes were reached. parameters in CityEngine. By linking the City of Calgary’s shortens the design cycle With Dashboard Manager, water balance model directly to the 3D model, O2 was by moving analysis to an results of analyses could be able to evaluate the impact of site-scale storm water earlier stage in the process. visualized and compared between management initiatives on the landscape such as the iterations, while a record of each impact of green roofs, pervious paving surfaces, and bioRather than analyzing the iteration was maintained. Using retention features. Descriptive measurements derived from potential impacts and effects Excel also allowed O2 to apply the 3D model were then used to calculate the impact of of a proposed project after the formulas to quickly calculate, storm water management interventions on average and design phase, critical factors summarize, and present numeric, maximum water runoff as well as percentage of captured non-spatial results. To bring the rainfall volume within the area. can be taken into consideration sketch to life in 3D, O2 leveraged The impacts of various design configurations at the outset.” Python and wrote a script that were also analyzed, adjusted, and analyzed again. For Christian Gass would allow the sketch to be example, road widths were reduced by 10% to measure O2 Planning + Design exported to Esri’s CityEngine. the overall impact on storm water runoff. This iterative approach allowed O2 to work towards an optimal water balance for the study area. Adding another dimension “Applying the Geodesign framework significantly shortens the CityEngine is a desktop application that leverages procedural rules design cycle by moving analysis to an earlier stage in the process,” to create 3D models from 2D data. Procedural modelling functionality said Mr. Gass. “Rather than analyzing the potential impacts and effects within CityEngine allowed attributes built into the community-scale of a proposed project after the design phase, critical factors can be sketch, such as building heights, lot sizes and street dimensions, to taken into consideration at the outset.” drive the generation of a 3D model. Custom rules specific to the Information generated from the analysis can be used to inform community plan could be easily authored and applied. For example, the creation of new policies aimed at mitigating the effects of urbanization on watersheds. This might include loss of wetlands, riparian areas, small creeks, soil and farmland. The project also generated invaluable insights into the efficacy of storm water management initiatives which can be applied to future developments. The project workflow will soon be leveraged to inform urban design guidelines for new neighbourhoods around the Edmonton area. Using CityEngine, draft design guidelines will be visualized and tested against performancebased planning criteria. In the future, O2 also plans to integrate 2D mapping analysis with an electronic voting system that would allow stakeholders to weigh in on the significance of modelling parameters and Procedural modelling functionality within CityEngine allows attributes such as building heights, lot sizes and street dimensions to criteria online. n drive the generation of a 3D model. ArcNorthNews

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Québec City Models a Bright Future with

3D GIS

Québec City is the second largest municipality in the province and continues to grow; its population jumped a remarkable 5.2% between 2006 and 2011. The City is also unusually compact with a population density of 1,138 people per square kilometre as compared to an average of 5.8 for the province as a whole. 1 Accordingly, city planners are tasked with a complex balancing act that involves developing infrastructure to support continued growth, protecting historical architecture and promoting a healthy environment. In response, the City of Québec leveraged 3D technology to develop a complete and accurate view of its urban ecosystem. The City uses 3D tools to model risk, assess the impact of proposed new construction, and intelligently plan and design infrastructure that benefits both residents and the surrounding environment.

The visual impact of a proposed building can be assessed from any angle.

To extend access to vital information, in 2010, the City consolidated all of its data into a central ArcGIS for Server geodatabase. They leveraged ArcGIS 3D Analyst so that they could analyze 3D models in a variety of ways. Through ArcGIS Explorer, the models are made available to urban planners, environmental engineers and building management staff online. These models are frequently consulted to measure the impact of proposed construction on existing city assets. For example, shadow analysis enables city planners to measure the impact of proposed buildings on public swimming pools. If it is determined that a new building will cast a shadow that may negatively impact a public pool, the development is relocated. To ensure safety, 3D models of city buildings are also A history of 3D buildings can be referenced to demonstrate powerful before and after scenarios. combined with a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to Planning a city in 3D measure the impact of new construction on In 1994, the City of Québec created the flood risk, particularly within the city’s floodbasis of a 3D city model using 2D footprints prone areas. and photogrammetry. Fifteen years later, the Line-of-sight (LOS) analysis is another key City recognized a need for something more. advantage of 3D modelling and is leveraged Steeve Guillemette, the City’s Information to ensure that proposed new developments Systems Manager explains, “Only the GIS will not impede the view of the famous St. Technician could access and manipulate our Lawrence River. data models. This made it difficult for city “3D models provide a perspective that planners, architects and other stakeholders is simply not possible with 2D,” said Mr. to retrieve and use the data they needed to Guillemette. “You can assess the visual impact complete their work.” of a proposed building from any angle, 6

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whether from the street, your house or the waterfront.” Similarly, 3D models are used to maintain visual harmony between new construction and heritage properties. For example, throughout certain areas of the City, buildings can only be a few storeys high, and all buildings within the City are subject to energy efficiency standards. When a building is found to contravene regulations, measures are taken to bolster compliance while preserving the building’s unique character.

“GIS affords the ability to assess relationships between buildings and the wider landscape which is critical to the success of all of our projects.” Steeve Guillemette City of Québec

Gaining buy-in through effective communication 3D modelling provides the City with an indispensable communication tool because it allows almost anyone to realistically view the impact of proposed construction from multiple angles and viewpoints. A history of 3D buildings can also be referenced to demonstrate powerful before and after scenarios. GIS-based 3D modelling has proved especially useful for the City’s highly-

Statistics Canada, Census of Population 2011. Product No. 98-316-XWE. Released May 29, 2012.

publicized $1.5 billion tramway project. The proposed tramway, currently in its preliminary stage, would connect the suburbs to the downtown core, hospitals and shopping centres, serving as a hub for the City’s public transportation. It would also encourage residential development in the City’s core. Using ArcGIS 3D Analyst, the City was able to integrate 3D elements from internal sources as well as external suppliers for the entire 27-kilometre network. As a result, system benefits could be clearly demonstrated to both potential investors and the public. A 3D model was also developed to inform the construction of a new recreational arena. Through 3D visualization, building managers were able to develop a comprehensive plan outlining a two-phase approach to construction: the first would focus on the development of an ice rink and the second would centre around building a new soccer field. 3D visualization was used during public consultations to inform nearby residents of the arena’s impact on surrounding neighbourhoods. “Unlike a picture, 3D models can be rotated to show impact from any perspective,” said Mr. Guillemette. “This helps to gain buy-in from a diverse range of stakeholders including city council, potential investors and most importantly, our residents.” Building communities of the future An exciting initiative currently unfolding in the City of Québec is the introduction of Green Neighbourhoods. A Green Neighbourhood is designed according to sustainable development principles in order

to reduce its overall ecological footprint. It attempts to connect urban sustainability principles with micro-level community planning for the betterment of residents and the environment. The concept has already proven successful in Montréal and several U.S. cities where this approach to urban design has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%-40%. Green Neighbourhoods are characterized by a number of features that can include sustainable, energy-saving infrastructure developed using ecological materials; vast green spaces and waterways; the installation of green roofs; minimal distance between homes, shops and office space; as well as ecological modes of transportation. ArcGIS 3D Analyst is used to map attributes onto buildings to analyze the impact and efficacy of green initiatives. The City can also determine the overall impact of Green Neighbourhoods not only on surrounding communities, but also on the City at large. “We used to have visibility only into how proposed projects would affect the area directly surrounding it whereas now, we can view the city-wide impact of our initiatives,” said Mr. Guillemette. “GIS affords the ability to assess relationships between buildings and the wider landscape which is critical to the success of all of our projects.” In the near future, the City plans to extend 3D modelling to its underground infrastructure. It will also model its water plant, sewers and hydrants to optimize the sustainability of water/wastewater management throughout the municipality. n

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La Ville de Québec construit un futur prometteur grâce aux

SIG 3D

Québec est la deuxième ville en importance de la province, et elle continue de prendre de l’expansion : entre 2006 et 2011, sa population a fait un saut remarquable de 5,2 %. En outre, cette population est particulièrement dense : 1 138 personnes par kilomètre carré comparativement à 5,8 pour l’ensemble de la province. 1 Les urbanistes se voient donc chargés d’une tâche complexe : développer les infrastructures nécessaires pour répondre à la croissance tout en protégeant le patrimoine architectural, et tout en s’assurant de la qualité de l’environnement. Toujours avant-gardiste, la Ville de Québec a misé sur la technologie 3D pour développer une vue détaillée et précise de son écosystème urbain. Les outils 3D sont utilisés pour modéliser les risques, pour évaluer l’incidence d’un chantier, ainsi que pour planifier et concevoir intelligemment des infrastructures dont tireront profit les citoyens et l’environnement.

Il est possible d’évaluer sous tous les angles l’incidence visuelle d’un bâtiment proposé.

reconnu que ce modèle n’était pas suffisant. Steeve Guillemette, conseiller en systèmes d’information de la Ville, explique que « seul le technicien SIG pouvait consulter et manipuler les modèles de données; les informations 3D étaient donc difficiles d’accès pour les urbanistes, architectes et autres intervenants concernés ». Afin d’élargir justement cet accès aux informations importantes, la Ville a rassemblé en 2010 toutes ses données dans une géodatabase centrale ArcGIS for Server. Elle a mis à profit le logiciel ArcGIS 3D Analyst pour analyser de plusieurs façons ses modèles. Ces modèles ont ensuite été mis en ligne à l’aide d’ArcGIS Explorer, ce qui permet aux urbanistes, aux professionnels en environnement et à la gestion des immeubles de la Ville d’y avoir accès. Ces modèles sont fréquemment consultés pour mesurer l’incidence des chantiers proposés sur les biens actuels de la Ville. Par exemple, l’analyse des ombres permet aux urbanistes de mesurer les incidences des immeubles projetés Un historique des bâtiments en 3D constitue un registre éloquent de l’évolution des chantiers. sur les piscines publiques. S’il est établi qu’un nouvel immeuble jettera une ombre qui pourrait Concevoir une ville en 3D déparer une piscine publique, l’on modifie En 1994, Québec a créé la base de le plan d’aménagement. Afin d’assurer la sa maquette 3D à partir d’extrusion des sécurité, les modèles 3D des immeubles empreintes de ses bâtiments en 2D ainsi projetés sont aussi combinés à un modèle que par photogrammétrie. Cependant, 15 numérique d’altitude afin de mesurer ans plus tard, les employés de la Ville ont 8

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le facteur de risque que présentent les nouvelles constructions en ce qui a trait aux inondations, particulièrement dans les zones inondables de la ville. L’analyse de visibilité est un autre avantage important de la modélisation 3D. Elle permet, par exemple, d’établir si un nouveau projet immobilier masquera une vue imprenable sur le fleuve Saint-Laurent. « Les modèles 3D offrent une perspective que ne peut offrir le 2D. Ils permettent d’évaluer sous tous les angles l’incidence visuelle d’un projet de construction, que ce soit à partir de la rue, de votre maison ou des quais de la ville », affirme M. Guillemette. Dans le même ordre d’idées, un modèle 3D constitue un excellent outil d’harmonisation visuelle des nouveaux édifices au patrimoine urbain. Par exemple, la hauteur des immeubles doit être limitée à quelques étages seulement dans certaines parties de la ville, tandis que tous les immeubles doivent respecter les normes d’efficacité énergétique en vigueur. Lorsqu’un immeuble contrevient aux règlements, des mesures sont prises pour en assurer la conformité tout en préservant son caractère unique. Obtenir la participation au moyen de communications efficaces La modélisation 3D constitue un outil de communication indispensable pour la Ville, parce qu’elle offre à la majorité des gens un aperçu fidèle, sous différents angles, de l’incidence des projets de construction. Elle intègre également un historique en 3D des bâtiments, registre éloquent de l’évolution des chantiers.

Statistique Canada, recensement de 2011. Produit nº 98-316-XWF. Diffusé le 29 mai 2012.

Cela s’avère très pratique pour ce qui est du tramway de développement durable, de sorte que soit réduite au minimum la ville, projet très médiatisé d’un milliard et demi. Ce projet, l’empreinte écologique globale de ce quartier. L’approche encore au stade préliminaire, concerne un tramway qui relierait « écoquartier » vise à joindre les principes de durabilité urbaine à les banlieues au centre de la capitale, aux hôpitaux et aux centres l’aménagement urbain au niveau local pour favoriser le mieux-être commerciaux, et qui servirait de pierre angulaire du système de des résidents et de l’environnement. Le concept a déjà fait ses transport en commun de la Ville. Ce projet favoriserait également preuves à Montréal ainsi que dans plusieurs villes américaines, où le développement résidentiel au centre de la ville. Au moyen cette approche de conception urbaine a démontré qu’elle pouvait d’ArcGIS 3D Analyst, la Ville a été en mesure d’intégrer les différents réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre de 20 à 40 %. éléments 3D provenant tant de l’interne que de fournisseurs Les écoquartiers se caractérisent notamment par des concernant l’ensemble du réseau de 27 kilomètres, afin de infrastructures durables et écoénergétiques, faites de matériaux démontrer clairement les avantages du système aux investisseurs écologiques, de grands espaces verts et bleus ainsi que de potentiels et au grand public. toits verts, et établissent une distance minimale entre maisons, De la même façon, un modèle 3D a été commerces et lieux de travail; enfin, ces conçu en vue de diffuser de l’information au quartiers s’agrémentent de moyens de sujet de la construction d’un nouvel aréna. transport écologiques. « Le SIG permet d’évaluer les Par l’intermédiaire de la visualisation 3D, les ArcGIS 3D Analyst permet de entrepreneurs on pu concevoir le plan détaillé cartographier les attributs des relations entre les immeubles et d’un projet de construction en deux phases : immeubles et d’analyser ainsi l’ensemble du paysage, ce qui est une première phase qui mettra l’accent sur la l’incidence et l’efficacité des initiatives essentiel pour le succès de tous construction d’une patinoire, et une deuxième environnementales. La Ville peut nos projets. » phase qui sera axée sur la construction d’un également déterminer l’incidence nouveau terrain de soccer. La visualisation 3D globale des écoquartiers non seulement Steeve Guillemette a été utilisée lors de consultations publiques sur la communauté environnante, mais Ville de Québec pour informer les résidants près du projet de aussi sur l’ensemble de la ville. l’incidence éventuelle de l’aréna sur leur quartier. « Nous pouvons maintenant « Contrairement aux vues statiques sur les plans, les vues des visualiser l’effet de nos initiatives sur l’ensemble de la ville, alors modèles 3D pivotent dans tous les sens; l’on peut donc visualiser qu’auparavant, nous ne pouvions visualiser cet effet que pour l’incidence d’un projet selon toutes les perspectives », affirme M. la zone directement touchée », affirme M. Guillemette. « Le SIG Guillemette. « Cela permet d’obtenir la participation d’un large permet d’évaluer les relations entre les immeubles et l’ensemble du éventail d’intervenants, y compris les membres du conseil municipal, paysage, ce qui est essentiel pour le succès de tous nos projets. » les investisseurs potentiels et, plus particulièrement, nos citoyens. » La Ville prévoit bientôt utiliser la modélisation 3D pour l’ensemble de ses infrastructures souterraines (aqueduc, égout et bornes-fontaines) afin d’assurer la gestion durable des eaux. n Construire les communautés de demain L’établissement d’écoquartiers constitue une des initiatives les plus intéressantes qui se déroulent actuellement dans la ville de Québec. Un écoquartier est conçu selon les principes de

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Technology Spotlight

ArcGIS Online: A New Era in Mapping & GIS A Powerful Enterprise Platform to Collaborate, Integrate and Connect Your Organization ArcGIS Online is a revolutionary product that transforms the way geographic information is created, accessed and shared across the enterprise. It is a scalable, cloud-based content management system that makes tools and data directly available to an organization, without the need to invest in additional software or hardware. These tools can be readily accessed to develop intelligent Web maps and powerful apps that are securely hosted and shared via Web clients, desktops and mobile devices. Making geospatial content widely accessible creates new insights and opportunities never before realized. On-demand and self-serve mapping frees GIS professionals from routine map requests while fostering collaboration among teams and departments. Organizations everywhere are recognizing the power of ArcGIS Online to lower IT costs and equip both staff members and customers with powerful Web-enabled content.

Esri Maps for Office, available with an ArcGIS Online subscription, can be used to map your data directly in Excel. This image shows a heat map where clustering was applied to extract valuable insights from spreadsheet data.

A flexible, subscription-based model Originally, ArcGIS Online was made available as a free, personal account. If you have a pre-existing account, you can still access it for non-commercial use. However, an ArcGIS Online subscription unlocks the ability to leverage tools and data for a wide variety of uses across the enterprise. It’s the ideal software as a service solution for organizations of any size due to its scalability. Based on your organization’s unique needs, you can select anything from a small workgroup plan to an enterprise-wide implementation. Separate subscriptions can also be purchased for each department. Credits are the currency of ArcGIS Online, entitling members of your organization to consume a set amount of services such as storing map packages or geocoding. At any time, you can easily add users and service credits to meet your changing needs. 10

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A secure cloud environment An annual subscription to ArcGIS Online provides a private instance of Esri’s secure cloud that is scalable and ready to use. This lets you turn your hosted data into powerful Web-enabled services that your whole organization can access. You can publish your data as feature services directly from ArcGIS Online or as tiled map services using ArcGIS for Desktop. You can choose to keep your data private within your organization or share it publicly. Multiple layers of security protect your information from unauthorized access. You also have the power to define user roles and monitor usage through an intuitive dashboard. For example, Administrators can author, publish and use content as well as track service consumption. Publishers do not have administrative capabilities but can publish and use content. Users can simply interact with and consume the data. Your organization retains all of the rights and title to any content published to ArcGIS Online. Powerful integrative and analysis capabilities Incorporating ArcGIS Online into your organization’s workflow does not require all of your mapping and GIS-related projects to move to the cloud. Rather, the platform integrates with ArcGIS for Desktop and ArcGIS for Server to round out an organization’s geospatial solution. Maps can be authored using ArcGIS for Desktop and then made accessible to others in the organization, all through the same system. Non-GIS professionals can author maps from the data they work with in spreadsheets and text files and then share them with others on any device. Esri Maps for Office, powered by ArcGIS Online, allows you to create visually stunning maps directly in Excel and integrate them into your PowerPoint presentations. Staff leveraging IBM Cognos can also connect to ArcGIS Online to bring basemaps into their business intelligence reports for a whole new level of visualization and analysis. This allows business results to be linked to location so that key business measures can be viewed in a geographical context. Unprecedented access to data and tools The ArcGIS Online cloud architecture catalogues an abundance of data, content and services for ready access. This includes a rich collection of basemaps, demographic maps, image services and data from GIS user communities around the world. You can also access a library of templates and applications, providing a solid foundation for your work. This content can be leveraged to create rich, intelligent maps that include pop-ups, photos, links or Web pages. Mash up your existing content with other data found on ArcGIS Online. Create groups around common interests and easily share your maps with other users. You can also opt to have your own map data cached, published and hosted through Esri Canada’s Community Maps Program. Hosting your GIS assets on ArcGIS Online allows you to catalogue your data

in a way that aligns with organizational workflows, making the data easier to find and use. Developers can take advantage of unlimited Web-mapping APIs, Mobile Runtime SDKs, configurable applications and geoservices to custom-build applications that can then be shared and used by others in a cloud environment. You can also customize your ArcGIS Online homepage with a logo, banner, URL and feature maps and apps that are important to your organization.

Your organizations’ homepage can be customized with a logo, banner, URL and featured maps and apps.

A new level of sharing and collaboration One of the most significant advantages of ArcGIS Online lies in its powerful sharing capabilities.

Content can be viewed on almost any browser and the platform is supported by all popular mobile devices including Android, Apple and Windows phones and tablets. These devices can take advantage of GPS technology while allowing developers to integrate real-time news feeds and enterprise datasets. You can leverage the downloadable ArcGIS app for smartphones and tablets or simply use the browser on your mobile device to discover content, collect and report data, and perform GIS analysis. This can be accomplished with no additional programming. Any user associated with an ArcGIS Online account can also quickly share maps by embedding them in a Web site or blog, or through social media such as Twitter and Facebook. Through this common infrastructure, knowledge workers, managers and other staff members can collaborate, interact with the data and quickly leverage the information they need to get their work done. To learn more, visit esri. ca/arcgisonline. n

Service credit usage across the organization can be monitored through an intuitive dashboard.

Easily access, share & manage geographic content with ArcGIS Online.

Find out how.

esri.ca/arcgisonline

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Pleins feux sur la technologie

ArcGIS Online : Une ère nouvelle pour la cartographie et la technologie SIG Une plateforme d’entreprise puissante favorisant la collaboration, l’intégration et la communication au sein de votre entreprise ArcGIS Online est un produit révolutionnaire qui transforme la façon de gérer l’information géographique. Il s’agit d’un système extensible de gestion du contenu dans le nuage qui offre un accès direct à des outils et à des données, sans que votre entreprise ait besoin d’investir dans des logiciels ou du matériel supplémentaires. Facilement accessibles, ces outils permettent d’élaborer des cartes Web intelligentes et des applications puissantes qui sont hébergées en toute sécurité et partagées au moyen de clients Web, d’ordinateurs de bureau et d’appareils mobiles. L’élargissement de l’accès au contenu géospatial ouvre la voie à de nouvelles perspectives et possibilités encore inexplorées. La cartographie sur demande et libre-service favorise la collaboration entre les équipes et les services tout en permettant aux spécialistes des SIG de se consacrer à des activités autres que les demandes de cartes quotidiennes. De nombreuses entreprises reconnaissent les avantages d’ArcGIS Online, qui permet notamment d’abaisser les coûts des TI et d’équiper les membres du personnel et les clients avec du contenu Web puissant.

Esri Maps for Office, offertes avec l’abonnement à ArcGIS Online, vous permettent de créer des cartes à partir de vos données directement dans Excel. Cette image montre une carte des points chauds, où certains regroupements de données permettent d’extraire des renseignements précieux.

Un modèle d’abonnement flexible À l’origine, ArcGIS Online était accessible gratuitement au moyen d’un compte personnel. Si vous possédez déjà un compte, vous pouvez encore y accéder à des fins non commerciales. Toutefois, un abonnement à ArcGIS Online vous offre la possibilité de profiter d’outils et de données qui serviront à plusieurs activités de votre entreprise. Par son extensibilité, ArcGIS Online représente 12

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la solution logicielle de services idéale pour toutes les entreprises, peu importe leur envergure. Selon les besoins propres à votre entreprise, vous pouvez choisir le type d’abonnement qui vous convient le mieux, que ce soit un plan pour petits groupes de travail ou une mise en œuvre à l’échelle de l’entreprise. Il est également possible de vous procurer des abonnements distincts pour chaque service. ArcGIS Online fonctionne avec des crédits; ceux-ci permettent aux membres de votre entreprise d’utiliser un certain nombre de services, comme le stockage de cartes ou le géocodage. En tout temps, vous pouvez facilement ajouter des utilisateurs et des crédits de service afin de répondre à vos besoins changeants. Un environnement dans le nuage sécurisé Un abonnement annuel à ArcGIS Online fournit une instance privée du nuage sécurisé d’Esri, lequel est extensible et prêt à l’emploi. Vous pourrez ainsi transformer vos données hébergées en des services Web puissants, auxquels l’ensemble de votre entreprise aura accès. Vous pouvez publier vos données sous forme de services d’entités directement à partir d’ArcGIS Online, ou sous forme de service de cartes en feuillets à l’aide d’ArcGIS for Desktop. Par ailleurs, vous pouvez choisir de conserver vos données confidentielles au sein de votre entreprise ou de les partager publiquement. De nombreuses couches de sécurité protègent vos renseignements contre les accès non autorisés. Vous avez également toute latitude de définir des rôles utilisateurs et de surveiller l’utilisation au moyen d’un tableau de bord intuitif. Par exemple, les administrateurs peuvent rédiger, publier et utiliser le contenu, de même qu’assurer le suivi de l’utilisation des services. Les éditeurs ne possèdent pas de droits administratifs, mais peuvent publier du contenu et l’utiliser. Les utilisateurs peuvent uniquement consulter et utiliser les données. Votre entreprise détient tous les droits et titres de tout contenu publié sur ArcGIS Online. Capacités d’intégration et d’analyse puissantes L’intégration d’ArcGIS Online aux processus de votre entreprise ne vous oblige pas à déplacer tous vos projets de cartographie et de SIG sur le nuage. Plutôt, la plateforme s’intègre à ArcGIS for Desktop et à ArcGIS for Server afin de compléter la solution géospatiale de votre entreprise. Il est donc possible de créer des cartes à l’aide d’ArcGIS for Desktop, puis de les rendre accessibles à d’autres membres de l’entreprise au moyen du même système. Les personnes non spécialistes des SIG peuvent produire des cartes à partir des données (sous forme de feuilles de calcul ou de fichiers textes) avec lesquelles elles travaillent et les partager

avec d’autres personnes sur n’importe quel appareil. Esri Maps for Office, optimisé par ArcGIS Online, vous permet de créer des cartes époustouflantes directement dans Excel et de les intégrer à vos présentations PowerPoint.

Un nouveau niveau de partage et de collaboration Les puissantes capacités de partage d’ArcGIS Online constituent l’un de ses principaux avantages. Il est possible de consulter le contenu sur presque n’importe quel navigateur, et la plateforme est prise en charge par tous les appareils mobiles populaires, notamment les téléphones et les tablettes Android, Apple et Windows. Ces appareils peuvent tirer profit de la technologie GPS tout en permettant aux développeurs d’intégrer des fils de nouvelles et les jeux de données de votre entreprise en temps réel. Vous pouvez vous servir de l’application ArcGIS téléchargeable sur les téléphones intelligents et les tablettes, ou simplement utiliser le navigateur de votre appareil mobile pour découvrir du contenu, collecter et rapporter des données, de même qu’effectuer une analyse SIG. Toutes ces fonctions peuvent être accomplies sans programmation supplémentaire.

Votre organisation peut personnaliser sa page d’accueil en y intégrant un logo, une bannière, des adresses URL, et en mettant de l’avant des cartes et des applications.

Le personnel utilisant IBM Cognos peut également se connecter à ArcGIS Online pour intégrer des fonds de carte à ses rapports de veille stratégique et ainsi en rehausser le degré de visualisation et d’analyse. Il est donc possible de lier les résultats de votre entreprise aux emplacements de façon à ce que les mesures importantes pour votre entreprise puissent être considérées dans un contexte géographique. Un accès sans précédent à des données et à des outils L’architecture dans le nuage d’ArcGIS Online regroupe une abondance de données, de contenus et de services facilement accessibles. On trouve notamment une riche collection de cartes de base, des cartes démographiques, des services d’images et des données provenant des communautés d’utilisateurs SIG de partout dans le monde. Vous pouvez également accéder à une bibliothèque de modèles et d’applications, afin de bâtir votre travail sur une base solide. Vous pouvez tirer parti de ce contenu pour créer des cartes riches et intelligentes qui comprennent des fenêtres contextuelles, des photos, des liens ou des pages Web. Combinez votre contenu actuel avec d’autres données trouvées sur ArcGIS Online. Créez des groupes en fonction d’intérêts communs et partagez facilement vos cartes avec d’autres utilisateurs. Vous pouvez également décider d’utiliser le Programme de cartes communautaires d’Esri Canada pour conserver, publier et héberger vos propres données cartographiques. L’hébergement de vos actifs SIG sur ArcGIS Online vous permet de classer vos données de façon à ce qu’elles s’harmonisent aux processus de votre entreprise, facilitant ainsi la recherche et l’utilisation des données. Les développeurs peuvent profiter d’un nombre illimité d’API de cartographie Web, de trousses ArcGIS Runtime pour le développement d’applications mobiles, d’applications configurables et de géoservices afin de créer des applications personnalisées. Celles-ci pourront ensuite être partagées dans un environnement dans le nuage et servir à d’autres utilisateurs. Vous pouvez également personnaliser votre page d’accueil ArcGIS Online avec un logo, une bannière, des adresses URL, et mettre de l’avant des cartes et des applications qui sont importantes pour votre entreprise.

L’utilisation des crédits de service par l’ensemble de l’organisation peut être surveillée grâce à un tableau de bord intuitif.

En outre, tout utilisateur associé à un compte ArcGIS Online peut rapidement partager des cartes en les publiant sur un site Web ou un blogue, ou encore en les partageant sur un média social comme Twitter ou Facebook. Grâce à cette infrastructure commune, les travailleurs du savoir, les gestionnaires et d’autres membres du personnel peuvent collaborer entre eux, interagir avec les données et rapidement tirer parti de l’information dont ils ont besoin pour accomplir leur travail. Pour en savoir davantage, visitez le site Internet suivant : esri.ca/arcgisonline. n

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Creating Healthier Urban Landscapes

In 2006, the City of Toronto introduced its Green Development Standard: a two-tiered set of performance measures and supporting guidelines related to sustainable building for public and private development. The Standard encourages the implementation of “green building,” the practice of creating structures in a way that expands upon traditional design principles to incorporate environmentally responsible and resource-efficient processes. The initiative sets forth new criteria for developers and planners with an aim to promote sustainable urban design that enhances and contributes to the surrounding environment. Among the many planning considerations, it introduces a requirement for green roofs to be installed in all new buildings over 3,000 square metres as well as a goal to double the city’s urban tree canopy. Implementing these standards on a local scale can be complex and challenging. This is where the concept of Geodesign comes into play. Geodesign is a framework for understanding the complex relationships between human-designed settlements and the changing environment, to quickly adapt existing communities and build new ones in a sustainable manner. The concept was recently applied to explore several aspects of Toronto’s Green Development Standard by Dr. Rob Feick, a Professor with the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning in collaboration with Professor John Danahy from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Landscape Research. As part of a GEOIDE National Centre of Excellence Project, they used GIS to develop a multi-scale approach for visualizing the impacts of urban heat islands, identifying potential cooling strategies and revealing opportunities for renewable energy. Mitigating the effects of urban heat An urban heat island (UHI) is a portion of a metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding areas. The main cause of this phenomenon is the modification of the land surface through urban development using materials that effectively retain heat. Waste heat generated by air conditioners, automobiles and other sources can act as a secondary contributor. As population centres grow, greater areas of land are modified, which generally leads to a corresponding increase in average temperature. 14

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UHI impacts are of grave concern in the City of Toronto. Over the past decade, urban development has intensified in the City leading to an increase in population and energy usage. Correspondingly, vegetation has been incrementally replaced by asphalt and other high albedo surfaces. The City’s Medical Officer of Health now regularly issues Heat Alerts and Extreme Heat Alerts to advise at-risk populations of the need to safeguard against the potentially dangerous effects of extreme heat. “Urban heat islands can greatly impact the health and welfare of residents due to a degradation of air quality, particularly for vulnerable citizens such as the elderly,” said Professor Danahy. “Luckily, through powerful visualization tools, we can prototype what is possible and equip planners and developers with the information they need to work towards mitigating the impacts of urban heat.” To assist with the mitigation of urban heat on a regional scale, research groups led by Dr. Feick and Professor Danahy collaborated in the analysis of two urban sub-study areas. The first focused on Toronto’s downtown core including 19th-century tree-lined neighbourhoods and the second encompassed suburbs including Mississauga and Brampton along with a large industrial area that surrounds Pearson Airport. Infra-red Landsat satellite imagery calibrated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) was combined with GIS and CAD planning datasets along with orthophotography, photogrammetric data and LiDAR. This made it possible to examine the relationship between land cover, urban form, surface material types and relative hot and cool areas. 3D building models were created using ArcGIS for Desktop, and draped with heat maps revealing temperature values across land use and cover types that could be easily discerned through colour gradations. A temperature surface was also texture-mapped in 3D, to produce a terrain perspective where hotter and cooler areas are distinguished by texture. This allows users to readily identify patterns in data across the entire city.

Leveraging GIS, multiple scenarios can be tested with relative ease. For example, through a GIS-generated map view, users can select a building for analysis and determine the effectiveness and related costs of retrofitting that building in accordance with green standards. Users can also identify major contributing factors to the urban heat island effect, such as large paved surfaces, and simulate the impact of mitigation measures. Information derived from this analysis can be leveraged by developers and urban planners to answer questions that are paramount to designing greener urban areas. For example: Does the area in question already have a significant tree canopy or is greater investment required? What represents an optimal urban surface type for mitigating heat effects? Are traditional tree-lined streets as effective at providing cooling effects as areas with fully closed urban forest canopies, such as parks? “Leveraging 2D and 3D spatial information technology provides the visualization required to put broader climate change research into practice,” said Professor Danahy. “Powerful analysis capabilities make it possible for local planners and decision-makers to investigate alternative climate change scenarios, meaningfully compare mitigation measures and communicate effectively with key stakeholders.” In the near future, 3D models will be replicated using Esri’s CityEngine to take advantage of parametric functionality that allows building features such as height, roof form or age and related modifications to be adjusted on-the-fly.

bylaws. Local factors specific to a property also come into play such as shading from nearby buildings and trees, roof aspect and obstructions including chimneys. These variables determine the feasible size of a PV array as well as the return a property owner can expect over time. To assist with this analysis, Dr. Feick and graduate student Andrew Blakey of the University of Waterloo developed an easy-to-use online visualization tool known as SunSpot. This Flex Viewer-based application integrates relevant datasets so that site influences on residential solar energy potential can be accurately identified and evaluated. The application leverages LiDAR building models, existing building footprints, 3D terrain and vegetation data to showcase detailed building characteristics and roof structures. ArcGIS Solar Analyst tools were used to create solar energy rasters that encapsulate the impacts of daily and seasonal shifts in the sun’s angle, variations in elevation, building roof orientation and shadows cast by topographic features. The impact of mature tree canopies was also considered to identify areas unsuitable for solar PV installation. “This type of analysis often relies on neighbourhood-level averages which can result in an underreporting of geographic variations in rooftop solar potential,” said Dr. Feick. “By visualizing 3D landscapes through a GISgenerated map view, we’re able to drill down to a level of detail where users can examine variances across individual rooftops.” SunSpot currently maps out solar potential for approximately 34,500 buildings in Toronto. Monthly solar rasters were created so that users can view seasonal variations in electricity generation. The app can be leveraged to determine the most feasible roof area for PV installation as well as to estimate financial returns from the feed-in tariff program. Users can also calculate carbon savings that accrue from the reduced production of electricity from large-scale natural gas generation facilities. Once estimated solar potential is determined, an index-based score system can be applied to make building-to-building comparisons within the study area.

LiDAR-based modelling of roof slope and aspect helps users estimate solar panel revenue and carbon reductions.

Identifying clean, renewable energy opportunities Solar PV (Photovoltaic) is a method of generating electrical power that converts solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors. In 2009, the Hot areas are correlated with urban form and detailed vegetation models are created using LiDAR data. Green Energy Act permitted the Ontario Power Authority to introduce Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and Micro-FIT programs that enable property owners to receive substantial revenue streams for “One of our main objectives is to reduce the cognitive load for our generating PV power. users,” said Dr. Feick. “Multiple integrated datasets and photo-realistic Many technical and economic factors come into play when exploring 3D renderings of vegetation and buildings enable us to communicate the feasibility of solar panel installation for a home or business. For highly complex information in a fairly simple way.” example, installation constraints related to maximum roof weight The SunSpot tool will soon be publicly available so that Torontoallowance, loading and slope must be understood alongside implications based residents can explore solar PV potential and land cover urban heat related to regulatory approvals such as building permits and zoning variations within their own neighbourhoods. n ArcNorthNews

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Co-ordinating a $1.1 Billion Expansion Project through Web Mapping

hundreds of staff, contractors and consultants. To efficiently manage the project, EIA leveraged Web mapping technology to create a complete picture of who is where at the site, and what construction project or activity may be occurring within its vicinity.

Gaining a clear view of assets Previously, the airport’s Technical Services team supplied field workers with paper drawings If you’ve travelled through Edmonton International Airport of construction sites and utility networks (EIA) in Alberta recently, you may have noticed the renovated generated through a computer-aided design central terminal and newly opened U.S. terminal facilities, (CAD) system. While the drawings delivered rich as well as other construction activities throughout the graphical representations of airport assets, they did not provide a spatial context for analyzing airport. EIA is undergoing a $1.1 billion expansion project relationships between the assets. As work plans that will nearly double its 5.5-million passenger capacity to changed daily, it became a costly, time-consuming accommodate the rapid growth in passenger traffic. task to update, reprint and redistribute the drawings to field workers. EIA engaged Esri Canada to develop an In addition to a more spacious terminal building, travellers can innovative Web-based Utility Locator application that allows staff and now enjoy more comfortable passenger lounges and over 30 new contractors to quickly access accurate and up-to-date information shopping and dining outlets at the expanded terminal. The airport is about the airport’s utility assets. The application was deployed in June also constructing a new central tower, a power substation, an upgraded 2011, just in time for the busy summer construction period. utilities plant and more than a dozen new aircraft bridges and ramps for ArcGIS allows them to deliver information over the Web without aircraft parking. requiring additional user training. This is critical because many of Implementing such a large-scale construction project involves their target users do not come from a technical background. They co-ordinated planning and execution among many groups including 16

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use ArcGIS for Server to integrate numerous databases containing information on the airport’s utility assets, including airside and groundside electrical systems, natural gas, water, storm water and sewer networks, as well as construction projects, road networks, buildings and other geographic data, into a geodatabase. The application was built using the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight, which allows developers to quickly integrate interactive maps into Web applications. The system enabled EIA to provide role-based user access to specific information and tools within the application, and maintain data integrity and accuracy. Members of the Technical Services team could fill out forms through the application, while project delivery staff was given secure, read-only access. “Using the GIS application has significantly increased efficiency in responding to utility locate requests,” says Jerrit Purdie of 3-D Line Locating, which provides utility locating services for the project. “Creating drawings and delivering information to field staff take far less time than the CAD drawing system previously used for the task. This cuts down on field time and assists with keeping construction schedules on track.” Improving construction planning and co-ordination The quality of locate reports has improved immensely. Staff can now produce more insightful reports that include complete details about a specific site, enabling better decisions. The application allows them to create drawings that look exactly like the site, both in context and scale. As well, having a consistent view of utility and project data fosters better communication and teamwork among staff and contractors. With all critical data at their fingertips, architects, planners, engineers

and project managers involved in different parts of the expansion can see the overall picture and organize their workflows so that the project proceeds smoothly. The self-service portal provides an easy-to-use map of basic airport information such as buildings, roads and parking lots. This has already reduced the number of inquiries for site information received by the Technical Services team from internal staff, allowing them to focus on other tasks. The GIS integrates aerial imagery and current data, providing a compelling visual for effectively communicating EIA’s development plan and progress to the public. The application also displays boundaries of construction projects, allowing staff to check for conflicts between consecutive projects. “GIS is a platform for increasing efficiency and improving communication and collaboration,” says Corinne Kozak, Technical Services Manager, EIA. “It enables complex construction projects such as EIA’s expansion to be carried out intelligently and quickly, without posing a risk to facility operators and travellers.” EIA was recently named the Most Efficient Airport in Canada by the Air Transport Research Society. Maintaining this exceptional level of efficiency requires embracing technology that helps the airport continually improve its services. With the numerous important benefits GIS provides, the technology has become a critical information management system that is propelling EIA’s service level to even greater heights. n

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In May 2012, the Canadian Urban Institute issued a report that sought to uncover key elements of a successful Canadian downtown core. from this report, five principles of a “great downtown” were revealed.

To be considered high-performing, a downtown core must: possess high visibility within the city; be guided by bold leaders who collaborate on a sustainable vision; have a diverse and prosperous economy; be livable, vibrant and connected; and be willing to strategically invest in its future. The City of Kelowna is putting these principles into practice. Located in B.C.’s southern interior, it ranks as the 22nd-largest metropolitan area in Canada and is the largest city in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley. Guided by the conviction that a great downtown encourages community engagement and boosts civic pride, the City of Kelowna also makes a strong financial case for investing in its downtown core. Historically, successful downtown revitalization has been shown to trigger $10–$15 of private investment for every $1 of public investment. 1 In 2010, the municipality set out to revitalize its downtown core through a new Downtown Plan. This occurred through a collaborative effort that involved a significant amount of input from residents. 3D GIS played an integral role in allowing staff to test multiple future scenarios onthe-fly and communicate recommendations to Council. Visualizing the future of a downtown core To kick off the planning process, the City of Kelowna hosted an urban design charrette. This event brings key stakeholders

A colour coded model using existing and potential building heights.

together, including city officials, residents and developers, to collaborate and offer input into the planning process. A key focus of the charrette was to obtain community consensus on urban design principles that would inform the new plan, with the goal of achieving a vibrant, livable downtown. As feedback was gathered throughout the charrette, consultants began completing some preliminary planning and design work. Many primary goals were identified: creating a community feel, fostering pedestrian-friendly streets, expanding amenities, respecting heritage assets, and incorporating sustainable design principles that leverage green building technologies. To analyze the City’s current situation and identify priorities, a large volume of data was integrated using ArcGIS for Desktop including 2006 census data, projected household, school and employment populations, populations from a transportation model, park and trail networks, property assessment and tax information. Data was layered into ArcGlobe to create 3D images from different vantage points.

The use of 3D visualization readily provided answers to pertinent questions throughout the charrette, such as: What are properties in downtown Kelowna worth? How many buildings are currently vacant? Where are the heritage properties? How will the landscape be affected by development? “The advantage of 3D is that you can see buildings from different perspectives and get a true feel for how potential developments might impact our landscape,” said Darren Genge, GIS Technician, City of Kelowna. “Building height has been a contentious issue in our City. Through 3D visualization, we were able to make the very important determination that building height should be distributed to preserve view corridors.” Despite some differences in opinion, charrette participants overwhelmingly agreed that having more people living, working and playing downtown is of central importance. It was also agreed that increased building density, in the context of meaningful amenities, is necessary to achieve this goal. continued on page 24

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Leinberger, Christopher. “Turning Around Downtown: 12 Steps to Revitalization,” The Brookings Institution, March 2005.

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Mitigating Flood Risk in the

Town of Cobourg

The hydrology of landscapes surrounding urban areas is constantly changing due to the expansion of urban boundaries. As such, established and newly developing areas must implement cost-effective means for restoring or minimizing the impact of change while planning for future growth. Among the many issues that can arise from increased urbanization, storm water management can pose significant challenges, particularly for municipalities located on flood plains. Situated in Southern Ontario, the Town of Cobourg is home to just over 18,000 residents and is rapidly growing. With four major creek systems that run southward through Cobourg to Lake Ontario, the Town is especially vulnerable to flooding and has experienced several major flood events over the past few years. Charged with mitigating the likeliness and impact of floods in Cobourg is the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA). The organization strives to conserve, restore, develop and manage natural resources for 935 square kilometres of land. To better equip the Town of Cobourg for ongoing expansion and subsequent flood risk, the GRCA leverages GIS to simulate, test and propose effective storm water management initiatives. They recently received a grant from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s Showcasing Water Innovation Program which will be used to explore novel approaches to flood plain mapping that can be shared across the Province. Harmonizing man-made structures with the environment In strategizing to mitigate flood risk, the GRCA is challenged to accommodate both existing and proposed development. “There are many heritage developments built on flood plains that simply would not be approved for construction today,” said Ian Jeffrey, GIS/Remote Sensing Technician, GRCA. “We’re tasked with modelling the impact of potential flood events so that structures can be put in place to effectively mitigate risk in these areas.” Concerns also arise over new development that may exacerbate flood hazards. 20

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“As development occurs across the landscape, sustainable management and appropriate planning are required to ensure that current and future actions do not degrade, alter or destroy the existing environment,” said Mr. Jeffrey. “When significant development happens in a small town, it is imperative to consider the bigger picture.” For informed planning, the GRCA applies classic principles of Geodesign, using robust tools to design and evaluate structures that work in harmony with nature. This allows the Town to meet goals related to both sustainability and regulatory compliance. They leveraged Esri’s Terrain Dataset along with ArcGIS 3D Analyst to develop a Digital Elevation Model (DEM): an accurate 3D representation of the Town’s surface terrain. The DEM is used to calculate flood plain elevations and map flood plain boundaries. Capturing this level of accuracy supports effective analysis so that recommendations can be made for the design and implementation of new storm water management infrastructure and detention ponds throughout the Town of Cobourg. Diminishing storm water surges Detention ponds are storm water management facilities designed to protect against flooding and, in some cases, downstream erosion by storing water for a limited period of time and then releasing it slowly. They are also used to collect suspended sediments, which are often highly concentrated in storm water due to roadways and hard surfaces being washed off during rainfall events.

Images were created with RTK GPS bathymetric survey data of a storm DEM generated using LiDAR.

These ponds are a necessary fixture of growing urban areas because flood events are often greater in magnitude and frequency within increasingly urbanized landscapes. Furthermore, surfaces associated with urban areas such as roads, parking lots and rooftops prevent the natural infiltration of water into soil, which can potentially cause widespread flooding downstream.

When analyzing existing or potential pond sites, the GRCA leverages GISbased 3D analysis tools to incorporate multiple criteria into the decision-making process. This can include land availability, geographical conditions, and site-specific legal and jurisdictional considerations. Using 3D GIS, it’s also possible to evaluate the performance of a detention pond, including its attenuation efficiency (the ratio of runoff retained in a pond versus the amount flowing in), prior to construction. By visualizing LiDAR fused with GPS survey data, the GRCA can also determine the amount of sediment accumulation within each pond that should be prioritized for removal. When new development occurs, the DEM is leveraged to forecast flow capacities along the flood plain and flag potential spill inundation areas that may require the implementation of new storm water management structures. “We’ve created a living terrain dataset that can be exported at any time to produce

m water management pond and surrounding terrestrial

an updated DEM,” explained Mr. Jeffrey. “This means that we don’t have to purchase new datasets every time new construction occurs, and we can use our existing model to analyze how water flows over the new terrain features.” Modelling for reduced risk The updated DEM is used for both hydrologic and hydraulic analysis. The GRCA first produces a Hydrologic DEM which is conditioned to support hydrologic models that simulate storm water runoff into watercourse features. The next step is to introduce hydraulic information in the form of in-stream 3D representation. To support hydraulic analysis, in-stream features are captured using RTK GPS and fused with the Hydrologic DEM to produce a Hydraulic DEM. Features such as topof-bank breaklines, stream centerline, and cross-sections provide the necessary 3D representation within river banks which is typically not captured during DEM

production. The GRCA can then extract cross sections from the Hydraulic DEM and import them into a hydraulic model for engineering analysis. The results are used to estimate flow for storm water systems during various types of rainfall events. Flood plain maps are used not only to inform the development of storm management infrastructure, but also to develop flood-related emergency response procedures. Because calculations are automated within the GIS, more time can be spent assessing flood-related issues and less time is spent on the mechanical tasks of preparing data. 3D modelling also makes it easier to communicate requirements with engineers and gain buyin from stakeholders. n

The final fused Hydraulic DEM with contours extracted. This image is used to support the GRCA Engineering Department in their analysis of the hydraulic function of the urban storm water management system.

“Now we can view multiple geo-referenced surveys at one time and get a complete snapshot of the elements that may affect flood events within a watershed boundary. High-resolution elevation models allow for the in-depth analysis that is critical to preventing future flood risks within a small, yet growing, municipality.” Ian Jeffrey GRCA

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Unlocking B.C.’s Hydropower Potential GIS Assessment Tool Uncovers Optimal Sites for Renewable Energy Production It’s predicted that the province of B.C. will require an additional 30,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity within the next 20 to 25 years. To meet this projection, B.C. Hydro retained consulting firm Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) to conduct a hydroelectrical analysis and identify optimal sites for run-of-river power development. Because stream flows vary from month to month, many variables must be considered to accurately target reliable sites. These include surface runoff, seasonal changes in stream flow, and terrain characteristics such as slope, elevation drop and proximity of sites to existing power lines and access roads. Traditionally, data would be collected and analyzed by inspectors using paper and topographic maps. However, manual data collection over large areas can take years to complete and can be ineffective for locating sites in remote areas. As such, KWL needed 22

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to develop an automated process to identify potential sites for run-of-river power development both quickly and cost-effectively. In response, the firm leveraged ArcGIS technology with the Spatial Analyst extension to build a Rapid Hydropower Assessment Tool (RHAM) that automates the process of site selection. Using algorithms, the tool can estimate a site’s potential power output by combining factors such as a stream’s flow and the elevation differential between the water intake and the turbine in the powerhouse. Power potential information was gathered for over 10 million sites and saved as a vector data layer in ArcGIS for Desktop. Once these sites were identified, data was screened for parameters suitable for run-of-river power development. Areas considered “no-go zones” such as parks or salmon streams were removed, and an optimization process was applied to further narrow results based on energy output relative to infrastructure required.

“Through GIS, we were able to collect data on more than 10 million potential sites in a matter of hours: a process that traditionally would have taken years,” said Ryan Taylor, GIS Administrator, Kerr Wood Leidal. “We were also able to target locations that were ‘off the beaten path’ and would have never been discovered.” Regional hydrology analysis was also carried out to develop an estimate of energy production by region. This “ Through GIS, we were able involved statistically to collect data on more than analyzing 10 million potential sites in a hydrological data matter of hours: a process that from Water Survey of Canada (WSC) traditionally would have taken and distributing years. We were also able to resulting statistics target locations that were ‘off to the remaining the beaten path’ and would project locations. Using conventional have never been discovered.“ cost estimating, Ryan Taylor data modelling Kerr Wood Leidal and ArcGIS, KWL then developed estimated production costs for each site. Unit energy costs were also predicted by combining the estimated energy production with annual and operating expenditures. Also considered were social and environmental factors such as the number of jobs that could be created and the geographic size of the area that would be affected by each potential project. Through the GIS-based Rapid Hydropower Assessment Tool, KWL identified more than 8,000 sites in the province that could be developed as run-of-river power projects. They also predicted how power output could fluctuate throughout the year based on regional variability factors that might create changes in stream flows.

To ensure project viability, GIS was used to create cost estimates for access roads and power lines, and to identify the least expensive routes to hydropower sources. Cluster analysis was used to reveal sites that could potentially share road networks and transmission lines, while identifying remote areas that would benefit from the construction of new infrastructure. These sites have a potential installed capacity of more than 12,000 megawatts and could generate nearly 50,000 gigawatthours of energy per year. By calculating unit energy costs, KWL was also able to highlight projects that would be the most cost effective to pursue, and discovered 121 potential sites within British Columbia where energy production would cost less than $100 per megawatt-hour. Given the success of the project, KWL will use the Rapid Hydropower Assessment Tool to help other communities, including First Nations groups, develop renewable energy projects and transition away from less green options such as diesel generators. n

Site Selection Number of potential sites uncovered

10 million+

Number of sites suitable for runof-river hydropower

8,200+

Number of sites where energy production will cost less than $100 per megawatt hour

121

8,242 potential run-of-river hydro sites in British Columbia were identified during a study for B.C. Hydro.

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Explore and Interact with the World’s Longest Pathway The Trans Canada Trail is the world’s longest pathway. Visited by millions each year, it will span more than 22,000 kilometres when completed in 2017 to commemorate the country’s 150th anniversary. In support of this national project, Esri Canada developed and donated an interactive online mapping application that lets users explore the Trail online and share photos and stories of their visits. The app promotes active lifestyles by allowing users to enter the number of steps that they walk each day and track their progress along the trail. Esri Canada donated the Web app in honour of its commitment as a Chapter 150 member; a circle of business leaders that have joined forces to support this legacy project and make the dream of a coast-to-coast trail a reality. Be sure to take time to get out and explore this national treasure. Visit the online app at: tctrail.ca/explore-the-trail n

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Putting the plan into action To assess the practical considerations of realizing this goal, GIS-based planning software was used to create multiple future scenarios. For example, the amount of existing and projected future floor space within buildings was calculated and compared with estimated population growth. Interactive 3D models of real-world places were developed to analyze how they might change in the future. A suitability analysis based on iterative scenarios was also conducted to reveal properties and areas most suitable for redevelopment. This was based on a number of factors such as vacant land ownership patterns and proximity to Lake Okanagan. Analysis revealed that the downtown area will likely attract just over 4,800 new residents by 2030, which would represent 12% of the City’s total growth. This growth would trigger the need for approximately 2,800 new housing units and the addition of three high-rise towers per decade. Once this projection was determined, transportation zone data was updated to allow for transportation modelling. The models were 24

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leveraged to ensure that the Downtown Plan accommodated the estimated number of future residents and floor space. “Through automated complex calculations and on-the-fly changes to building size, zoning and height parameters, we could assess impacts on population estimates, floor area ratios (FAR) and suitability analysis,” said Genge. “As a result, many scenarios could be run off the same dataset using dynamic calculations and compared side-by-side, saving us hours of manual work.” The final day of the charrette featured a public open house attended by 335 residents. Results were displayed through GIS-generated maps and artistic drawings, providing an opportunity for public feedback. The project Web site was updated daily with information generated during the charrette, and public response to the material via tweets, email and blogs was passed on to the consulting team for consideration. Following the charrette, four stakeholder consultation sessions were held to engage the Urban Development Institute, the Downtown Kelowna Association, the Chamber of Commerce and charrette participants. Forty-one potential downtown

projects were presented, offering participants an opportunity to prioritize projects using a points-based system. Projects identified as high priority included: a reduction in truck traffic as well as the addition of parkades, a public pier, a convention centre, pedestrian walkways and a technology hub in the downtown area. In the end, the Plan was developed to encompass three main goals: to attract people to the downtown area, to enhance a sense of safety and to increase private sector investment. Shortly after the consultations, the 10-year plan was adopted by Council and presented to the public to very favourable reviews. The Official Community Plan was also updated to incorporate building height and tower separation policies based on additional 3D modelling and mapping. Eventually, future planning information and maps related to the Downtown Plan will be made available on arcgis.com, Twitter and Facebook, to keep the public continuously updated on new developments. n

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Events & Training across Canada 2012 Esri Canada User Conferences Esri Canada User Conferences provide an opportunity to discover exciting developments in Esri’s GIS solutions and network with your peers.

Regina, SK

Sept. 18-19

Ottawa, ON

Montréal, QC

Sept. 26

Fredericton, NB Oct. 30-31

Oct. 23-24

Edmonton, AB Oct. 3-4

Vancouver, BC

Nov. 6-7

Toronto, ON

St. John’s, NL

Nov. 14-15

Oct. 16-17

Visit esri.ca/events/uc2012 to learn more and to register. Web Seminars Esri Canada offers complimentary Web Seminars that are dedicated to a focused topic, delivered by an Esri Canada technical expert and streamed directly to your desktop. These seminars are live, interactive and free. Visit esri.ca/web_seminars to register. Tradeshows/Conferences • MISA West, Harrison Hot Springs BC, Sept. 18-21

• SecureTech, Ottawa ON, Oct. 30-31

• Versadex User Conference 2012, Niagara ON, Sept. 24-27

• Mineral Resources Review Conference & Tradeshow, St. John’s NL, Nov. 1-3

• Manitoba GIS User Group (MGUG) Fall Conference, Winnipeg MB, Sept. 25 • WEFTEC 2012, New Orleans LA, Sept. 29-Oct. 3 • 50th Annual URISA GIS-Pro Conference, Portland OR, Sept. 30-Oct. 4 • Red Cross Conference on Disaster Management, Halifax NS, Oct. 3-5 • AQEUS, Beaupré QC, Oct. 12-13 • SmartGrid Canada, Toronto ON, Oct. 15-16 • AGMQ/Vision Géomatique, Saguenay QC, Oct. 17-18 • Computer Using Educators of BC (CUEBC), Vancouver BC, Oct. 19

• Pacific Northwest Canada Emergency Preparedness Conference, Vancouver BC, Nov. 6-8 • Real Property Community Workshop, Montréal QC, Nov. 6-8 • CUTA, Québec QC, Nov. 10-14 • Science Teacher’s Association of Ontario Conference (STAO), Toronto ON, Nov. 15-17 • Quebéc Mines, Québec QC, Nov. 26-29 • CITIG National Forum, Toronto ON, Dec. 2-5

• OAGEE, Kingston ON, Oct. 19-20 • Manitoba Social Science Teachers Association Conference, Winnipeg MB, Oct. 19 For complete conference and tradeshow details, visit esri.ca/events. Training Esri Canada is the only company in the country authorized to deliver Esri developed technology training. We offer a wide range of traditional classroom and instructor-led online options to meet your needs. For more information, visit esri.ca/training.

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Training & Professional Services

Develop, Enhance & Validate Your GIS Skills

Maximize the Value of Your Technology Investment

10.1 Training Start with foundational courses to learn essential GIS concepts and skills. From there, select courses that focus on your specific areas of interest.

Time for a Tune-Up or System Migration? To help you get the most out of your GIS, we’ve prepared two focused professional services offerings: • Enterprise ArcGIS Health Check: An analysis and review of your current ArcGIS architecture to optimize performance, ensure sustainability and meet future needs. • Migration Planning Services: We’ll work with you to develop your migration strategy, helping you to reduce downtime and enhance the supportability of your system.

Why Take ArcGIS 10.1 Training? • These interactive courses incorporate the latest adult learning principles to provide an enriching training experience • Our instructors are professional, Certified Technical Trainers (CTT+ qualified) and dedicated to your success • ArcGIS 10.1 courses provide excellent preparation for obtaining ArcGIS certification • Quickly apply and deploy powerful ArcGIS 10.1 technology Visit esri.ca/training to learn more and to register. Technical Certification Program The Esri Technical Certification Program consists of 13 certifications recognizing expertise in desktop, developer or enterprise use of ArcGIS. Validate your skills and ability to design, implement and troubleshoot solutions built on Esri software and technologies. Top 5 Reasons to Become Certified: 1. Ensure that your skills and knowledge are leading edge 2. Maximize your investment in Esri products 3. Gain credibility and confidence 4. Create a personal development plan 5. Join an elite community of trusted Esri software and technology experts

Visit esri.ca/serviceofferings to learn more. Get Up & Running Quickly We also offer Quickstart Service Packages to get you up and running quickly with our software. Typically 3-5 days in duration, these packages contain a suite of training and services that offer everything you need to effectively configure, operate and maintain your solution. Select from: • Asset Valuation Toolkit • Law Enforcement Dashboard • Emergency Management Common Operating Picture • Cityworks AMS • Esri Business Analyst Desktop (Canadian Edition) • Enterprise Geodatabase Implementation Visit esri.ca/quickstartservices to learn more.

Visit esri.ca/certification to learn more.

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Introducing arcGIS 10.1 Makes it easy for anyone to use & share maps & geospatial analytics Provides enhanced server performance & scalability Delivers any GIS resource as a Web service Find out more. esri.ca/products/10.1